A
canopy or porch can provide protection and shelter from the weather
as well as create a decorative feature that draws the eye to the main
entrance of the house. The porch can be inside the main front wall or
protrude from the building.

Styles
range from enclosed stone or brick porches to open timbered frame that
might be part glazed. The 18th and 19th century builders used simple
roof canopies or door hoods and later in the 19th century saw timber
painted lattice work porches become popular. The Victorians and Edwardians
created elaborated designs with steep roofs, coped gables, carved kneelers
and finials.